Methods and apparatus for localized delivery of scented aerosols

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and methods for delivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methods and systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streams of scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) using a bolus generator so as to avoid cross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations. The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an air ring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scent generating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. This phenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scent ring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as the nose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered to only the user&#39;s direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes the amount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level of scenting at the target location. Advantageously, the amount of scent that must be removed or dissipated from the user&#39;s area is also reduced. In another aspect, the present invention provides anti contamination devices that inhibit the contamination of the sequential delivery of scent chemicals.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No.10/000,432 filed Nov. 30, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,746, which is adivisional of application Ser. No. 09/522,977 now U.S. Pat. No.6,357,726 filed Mar. 10, 2000 and provisional application No.60/123,970, filed Mar. 12, 1999, under 37 C.F.R. §1.78, the fulldisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the delivery of chemicals,and more particularly to methods and systems for the controlled deliveryof scented aerosols to a localized target.

The addition of scent to entertainment or other activities connectedwith data or information dissemination is known. Increased use ofcomputers, game consoles, internet appliances, and other individualoriented devices have brought about an increased desire to synchronizethe delivery of scents in conjunction with these and other automatedactivities. The human olfactory senses are very sensitive and theaccuracy and consistency of the scent is critical. A major criteria ofsuccess is the ability to deliver scents to the user accurately,quickly, and cleanly without impacting other people in the vicinity.

Most conventional systems involve use of a fan that blows scentedchemicals in the direction of the target user. Unfortunately, theconventional devices lack the means to control the delivery of the scentto the specific target and often fill the entire room with large amountsof the scent chemical. Because of the nature of the scented oils andchemicals, it is often difficult to remove the of scent chemicals priorto the introduction of a new scent. Consequently, the ensuing deliveriesof different scents are often contaminated with the lingering scent ofthe previously delivered scent.

Therefore, as can be appreciated, there is a need of systems and methodswhich can provide an individualized scent experience while reducing thelevel of contamination of new scents with the lingering scent from theprevious deliveries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides systems and methods fordelivering a controlled amount of scent to a target user. Such methodsand systems will preferably provide carefully direct boluses or streamsof scent(s) to a single or small group of individual(s) so as to avoidcross-contamination of scents with other persons and other locations.

The present invention preferably delivers the bolus of scent as an airring. The scented air ring moves through the air between the scentgenerating device directly to the user as a cohesive unit of air. Thisphenomenon is similar to a “smoke ring” exhaled by a smoker. The scentring can be directed with accuracy to a localized target as small as thenose of a single user, such that the entire dosage can be delivered toonly the user's direct vicinity. Such targeted delivery minimizes theamount of scent that must be delivered to achieve a desired level ofscenting at the target location. Consequently, the amount of scent thatmust be removed or dissipated from the user's area is also reduced andthe cross-contamination of the different scents is reduced.

Systems of the present invention typically have a plurality of storagechambers coupled to a venting chamber. An electrical signal generatorand bolus generator, such as a vibratable diaphragm or an audio speaker,can be used to create a pulse to deliver the scent chemical. Theelectrical signal generator can be activated by mechanical means, anelectronic signal embedded in a recorded media, an electrical signalgenerated by an interactive program, or the like. In mostimplementations, the electrical signal generator and bolus generatorimpart a rapid increase of air pressure in the venting chamber holdingthe scent. The delivery of the scent ring from the present invention istypically through an orifice or opening in the venting chamber. In mostembodiments, the orifice can be aimed towards the direct vicinity of auser's nose, so as to maximize the scent experience to the target user.The size and speed of travel of the scent ring can be adjusted fordifferent circumstances by changing the frequency and number of pulses,changing the size of the opening, the number of openings, or the like.

In another aspect of the present invention, a scent generating systemcan be configured to reduce the level of contamination of a new scentfrom the lingering scent of the previously delivered scent chemical. Insome embodiments, an exhaust fan and air filter are used to remove thelingering scented air in the venting chambers. Optionally, air can befurther be filtered while being drawn into the chamber to reduce theamount of contaminated air drawn into the venting chamber. Therefore,newly generated scents will contain only a limited amount of unwantedcontaminants.

Because it is difficult to remove all of the scents retained in theventing chamber, some implementations of the present invention can havean absorptive material, such as an absorptive clay, positioned over atleast a portion of the venting chamber. The absorptive material attractsthe scent chemicals and absorbs them with a trapping effect so as toinhibit contamination of subsequent scent chemicals moved through theventing chamber.

As an alternative to the absorptive material, another method that can beused to reduce the contamination of subsequent scents is to impart asimilar electrical charge to both the venting chamber and the scentchemicals. The two similarly charged elements repel each other and limitthe adherence of the scent to the venting chamber.

The individual scent chemicals are each typically contained in aseparate cartridge that is inserted into a receptacle inside theenclosure. At least one scent chemical is selected from the plurality ofscent cartridges and it is moved to the venting chamber through adelivery system. In one implementation, the delivery system has a smallpump that imparts a steady pressure into one opening of the cartridge.The steady pressure enters through a first one way check valve andcreates an increase air pressure in the interior of the cartridge. Asecond check valve opens and allows scented air to be emitted into theventing chamber for delivery to the user. In most embodiments, anelectrical signal controls the opening of a regulator valve that allowsthe flow of the air pressure through the check valves. In order to addfurther precautionary measures to minimize scent leakage, the cartridgescan have a sealing o-ring encircling the outside which provides africtionally adhered connection between the cartridge and the interiorwalls of the holding receptacle.

After being moved from the cartridges, the scent chemical, if in liquidform, may be vaporized using a variety of methods, such as flowing thescent chemical through a micro-pump or a nano-pump, saturating a porousmembrane, or vaporizing a liquid using an electrically activatedpiezo-ceramic plate, a laser, or the like.

The control of the scent generating system is typically through the useof microprocessor circuity which controls the timing and frequency ofthe emission. The control circuity is typically linked to programmableelectronic activation means through standard communication links, suchas cables, wireless connection, infrared, radio, or the like.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system fordelivering scent chemicals. The system has a venting chamber having anorifice. A plurality of cartridges hold the individual chemicals. Atleast one of the cartridge can be activated to release its scentchemicals to the venting chamber. A bolus generator assembly is coupledto the venting chamber such that the bolus generator assembly delivers apulse of air which forces a ring bolus of the chemical through theorifice in the venting chamber.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system fordelivering a scent chemical to a localized target. The system comprisesa venting chamber having an orifice. A plurality of storage means storeindividual scent chemicals. The storage means control the release of atleast one selected scent chemical into the venting chamber. Pulse meansdeliver a controlled air pulse to the scent chemical within the ventingchamber to expel the scent chemical through the orifice in a shape of aring bolus.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a system fordelivering scent chemicals to a localized target. The system has aventing chamber with an opening. The venting chamber is adapted toreceive stream(s) of scent chemicals. A dispersion mechanism is incommunication with the venting chamber such that the dispersionmechanism moves the scent chemical through the venting chamber. Anabsorptive liner is formed over at least a portion of the ventingchamber to absorb the scent chemical remaining in the venting chamberafter the scent chemical has been moved through the venting chamber.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a system fordispensing a scent. The system has means for electrically charging ascent chemical. A venting chamber for receiving the electrically chargedscent chemical has a like-charge such that the venting chamber repelsthe scent chemical and lessens the contamination from the scentchemical. A delivery mechanism is configured to force the scent chemicalthrough an opening in the venting chamber.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method. A scentchemical is selected from a plurality of scent chemicals. A scent ringis formed and directed toward a user.

In still another aspect, the present invention provides a method for alocalized delivery of scents. A scent chemical is selected from aplurality of scent chemicals. An air pulse is generated to controllablydisperse the vapor from the venting chamber in the form of a ring bolus.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method. A firstscent chemical is moved through a venting chamber. At least a portion ofthe residue of the first scent chemical within the venting chamber isabsorbed so as to inhibit the contamination of a second scent chemicalmoved through the venting chamber.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method. Anelectrically charged scent chemical is moved into a venting chamber. Alike charge is provided to the venting chamber such that thelike-charged venting chamber substantially repels the scent chemical soas to inhibit the scent chemical from adhering to the wall.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of one embodiment incorporating thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a scent generating system according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the system of FIG. 2 with the front panelremoved;

FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded rear isometric view of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the cartridge manifold assembly;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of the cartridge;

FIG. 8B is a side view of the cartridge;

FIG. 8C is a top view of the cartridge;

FIG. 8D is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge;

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of a cartridge having a piezo electricmechanism;

FIG. 9B is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a cartridgehaving a piezo electric mechanism;

FIG. 9C is a cross sectional view of the scent generating system havingthe piezo electric mechanism;

FIG. 10A is a cross sectional view of a system having a micro pump and avaporizer;

FIG. 10B is an elevational view of the system of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a cross sectional view showing the bubble jet ejectorcartridges and a laser beam;

FIG. 11B shows a droplet that is ejected from a bubble jet ejector;

FIG. 11C shows a micro valve of the present invention;

FIG. 11D is a perspective view of a system of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a cartridge having a capillary delivery system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of the components of a scentgenerating system 20 according to the present invention. The systemgenerally includes a storage system 22, such as cartridges orreservoirs, that store individual scent chemicals. The storage system 22is coupled to a scent venting chamber 24 through a delivery assembly 26.The delivery assembly 26 typically has some combination of valves,conduits, pumps, and vaporizers and can be configured to meter andcontrol the flow of the scent chemicals from the cartridges 22 to theventing chamber 24. A signal from a control system 28 activates thedelivery assembly 26 to move the selected scent chemical(s) from theselected cartridge(s) 22 to the venting chamber 24. Once the selectedscent chemical(s) have been transferred to the venting chamber 26, abolus generator 30, such as a vibratable diaphragm or a speaker, isactivated by a signal generator (not shown) to generate an air pulse.The air pulse delivers the scent chemical through an orifice (not shown)in the venting chamber 24 and creates a ring bolus or scent ring 32which can be controllably directed toward an individualized user.

An operator or user typically interacts with the scent generating systemthrough a user interface 34 and user inputs 36. User inputs 36, such asbuttons, levers, switches, joysticks, a keyboard, or the like, deliver acontrol signal through a CPU 38 to a microprocessor board 28 in thescent generating system 20. In most embodiments, the control signal canbe transmitted through a connection interface 42 such as cable 44 orwireless connections 46 to activate the delivery of the scent chemical.As shown in FIG. 1, the user interface can be attached directly to thescent generating system or can be remotely connected to the scentgenerating system. It should be appreciated, however, that in otherembodiments of the present invention, the scent generating system can beactivated remotely through a network, such as the internet. In suchembodiments, the user that receives the delivered scent would not haveto interface directly with the interface 34 or user inputs 36.

The particular selection of the scent chemical and the sequence of thevarious selections over a period of time is controlled by themicroprocessor board 28 and the CPU 38. The microprocessor may bepre-programmed to provide a prearranged sequence of scent chemicals whena pre-recorded presentation is playing, or the microprocessor board maybe interactive and the scent delivery pattern will depend on thespecific user inputs.

FIGS. 2–7 illustrate one exemplary embodiment of the scent generatingsystem 20 of the present invention. The scent generating system 20 has astructural enclosure 48 which has a front panel 50, a base housing 54,and a directional orifice 52. The scent generating system 20 can bemounted on adjustable feet 56 to enable the direction of the scent ringto be aimed directly at the nose of the user. Removable cartridges 22containing individual scented chemicals 58, chemical vapors 60, or both,are typically positioned in individual receptacles 62 in linear arraysof two or more such that at least a portion of the delivery assembly 26is within the manifold 64 (FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8). A microprocessor boardand/or electrical circuitry 28 are contained within the electronicshousing 66 and can be accessed through a conventional data port 68.Thus, a user interface, user inputs, or a network connection can beconnected to the microprocessor board 28 through the data port 68. Themicroprocessor board 28 is also electrically coupled to the deliveryassembly 26 and the bolus generator 30 to coordinate the release anddisbursement of the scent chemical 58, 60.

An exemplary storage system 22 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 8A to 8D. Thecartridges can have a valve delivery assembly 26 to control the movementof the scent chemical to the venting chamber 24. The cartridge 22includes an inner chamber 70 which holds the scent chemical 58 (and insome embodiments its vapor 60). In most embodiments, an air pump 72 canbe used to deliver a continuous flow of air, a variable flow of air, ora pulsed flow of air through a conduit assembly 74 (FIG. 1). A solenoidregulator valve 75 is electrically coupled to the microprocessor board28 and impedes the air flow to the cartridges 22. At least one of thesolenoid regulator valves 75 can be opened in response to an electricalcontrol signal from the microprocessor board 28 and the pressurized flowof air can enter the selected cartridge(s) 22 through an inferior checkvalve 76. After entering the chamber 70, the pressurized air will pickup the scent chemical 58, 60 and once the internal pressure of thecartridge chamber 70 reaches a pressure which can open a superior checkvalve 78, the air flow and scent chemical 58, 60 exit the cartridgethrough the superior check valve 78 and into the venting chamber 24. Inone specific configuration, the scent chemical is stored in a liquidform within a sponge (not shown) in the cartridge. As the pressurizedair passes through the sponge, the scent chemical 58 is moved directlyto a vapor form as it is moved out of the cartridge. Other embodimentsof solenoid-type valves are described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.5,591,409, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

When no air is flowing through the check valves 76, 78, the valves havea closing strength that is strong enough to prevent the scent chemical58, 60 from escaping from the cartridges. Moreover, both the inferiorcheck valve 76 and superior check valve 78 are preferably one waylow-pressure valves that do not allow back flow through the valves.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 8B, and 8D, in some implementations a rubbersealing ring 80 circles the scent cartridge 22 so that when thecartridge is inserted into the receptacle 62, a secure seal is createdbetween the cartridge and the receptacle 62. The seal prevents airpressure at the base of the cartridge from leaking and further preventsthe scent chemical in the cartridges 22 from escaping into theatmosphere and into the venting chamber.

Another exemplary scent generating system is illustrated in FIGS. 9A to9C. This embodiment of the scent generating system 20 includes aplurality of cartridges 22 that are attached to piezo-electricmechanisms that cause the liquid scent chemical to vaporize when anelectric charge is applied to the piezo-electric mechanism. Thevaporized scent liquid can then be transferred to the venting chamberthrough a revolving delivery door assembly.

As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9A and 9C, the cartridge assembly 22has a piezo electric ultrasonic nebulizer 82 that is continuously incontact with the scent chemical 58. Delivery of an electric chargethrough the nebulizer sublimates the scent liquid 58 into a gas vapor 60which rises above the liquid chemical 58. After a sufficient quantity ofthe scent vapor 60 has been collected, a revolving delivery door 84 canbe activated and rotated 180 degrees to receive the vapor 60 in acollection chamber 86. After the vapor 60 has been collected, the dooris rotated another 180 degrees such that the measured quantity of scentvapor 60 is moved into the venting chamber 24. As above, once the scentvapor 60 has been delivered into the venting chamber 24, a signal causesthe bolus generator 30 to vibrate in a series of pulses, each of whichcan force a scent ring 32 of gaseous vapor to be expelled through theorifice 52 at the end of the venting chamber 24. The scent rings 32 aredirected at the general vicinity of the user's face, and moreparticularly at the user's nose.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, a piezo-ceramic vibrationplate 86 having holes can be attached near the top of the scent chemical58 to sublimate the scent liquid into a vapor. The liquid scent chemicalcan be continuously in contact with the plate 86, or individual dropletscan be applied through a wicking method, an elastomer funnel, or by someother droplet placing means. In the specific implementation shown, ablister pack 88 can be used to contain the scent chemical. Constantpressure with a moveable roller 90 within a track 92 forces the scentchemical into contact with the piezo electric vibration plate 86. As thescent chemical is vaporized, the moveable roller 90 can be moved upwardto maintain contact between the scent chemical and the piezo-electricvibration plate 86. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 9A, the revolvingdoor assembly 84 or other delivery assemblies can then be used todeliver the vapor into the venting chamber 24.

In yet other embodiment of the present invention, the delivery assembly26 can also include at least one of a vaporizer, nano-pump, ormicro-pump, to deliver a vapor or aerosol scent chemical to the ventingchamber. Formation of an aerosol creates very small, precisely measureddroplets of the scent chemical which optimizes the surface area relativeto the volume. Optimization of the size of the scent chemical improvesthe vaporization rate and the dispersion rate of the scent chemical intothe atmosphere. Referring now to FIGS. 10A to 10B, one exemplaryembodiment includes a micro pump 94 and an ultrasonic spray vaporizer96. In the embodiment shown, the scent cartridge 22 contains a rubbersleeve 98 that is filled with scent chemicals. Pressure within thecartridge 22 on the rubber sleeve 98 is sufficient to move the scentchemical through a conduit 100 into the micro pump 94. The micro pump 94produces droplets that are typically in the range of 10 microns to 20microns. The droplets are moved into the ultrasonic vaporizer 96 wherethe droplets are vaporized and sprayed into the venting chamber 24. Oneexemplary micro-metering pump 94 is manufactured by IVEK Corporation, ofNorth Springfield, Vt. As an alternative to the micro pump 94 andvaporizer 96, a nano scale micro miniature pump (not shown) can beattached to the conduit 100 to create smaller measured droplets that donot need to be vaporized.

Another exemplary delivery system is illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B.Because the scent chemical is often a liquid medium, a smallconcentrated amount of the scent chemical 58 can be expelled in adroplet form 101 from a bubble jet-type cartridge 104. As shown in FIGS.11A and 11B, the bubble jet cartridges 104 can be placed in rows suchthat the bubble-jet ejector 106 dispenses the scent chemical 58 into thepath of a laser beam 108. A laser 109 generated laser beam 108 passes infront of a row of cartridges and can be reflected by a mirror 109 topass in front of a second or third row of cartridges. In a specificimplementation, the cartridges 104 are approximately 2 inches long andhave a cross-sectional size of approximately 0.5 inches×0.5 inches.Accordingly, as many as 60 different scents can be contained in 12inch×2 inch×4 inch console. One exemplary bubble-jet ejector circuitryand mechanism is manufactured by Hewlett-Packard.

An alternative embodiment to the bubble jet ejector is shown in FIG.11C. Instead of a bubble jet ejector, a micro valve 110 can be used todeliver the droplet 103 to the laser beam 108. The droplets 103 producedby the micro valve 110 are typically approximately 10 microns. Anexemplary micro valve is manufactured by the Lee Company.

In both the bubble jet and micro valve embodiments, the laser beam 108can vaporize the droplets 103 into a gas 60 or aerosol that is drawninto the venting chamber 24 with an air current. As shown in 11D, abolus generator (not shown) can be used to direct a bolus ring 32 ofscent chemical at the user through the directional spout 112.

In still another embodiment, the cartridge 22 can include a deliveryassembly 26 having a capillary tube 114 and sealing gates 116, 118. Asshown in FIG. 12 the capillary tube 114 having sealing gates 116, 118 onboth ends of the tube allow a measured quantity of the scented vapor tobe delivered to the venting chamber (not shown). The bottom sealing gate116 will open to allow a measured amount of scent vapor 60 to enter thecapillary tube 114. Once the capillary tube 114 has been filled, thebottom sealing gate 118 is closed. To release the vapor into the ventingchamber 24 the top sealing gate 118 is opened. When air is blown overthe open end of the capillary tube 114, the measured quantity of scentvapor 60 is then drawn into the venting chamber 24.

Another aspect of the present invention is the ability to reducecontamination of subsequently delivered scents. In order to reduce scentchemical contamination the venting chamber 24 can be equipped withvarious anti-contamination means. In one embodiment, the air can befiltered with filter 115 as it is drawn into the venting chamber so asto remove scent chemicals that are in the atmospheric air (FIG. 9C). Asshown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the venting chamber can also have an exhaust fan117 and a filter 119 to remove the lingering air and scent chemicals inthe venting chambers. The exhaust fan 117 forces the lingering airthrough the filter 119 and away from the user.

Optionally, a permanent or removable absorptive liner 120 can be placedwithin the scent generating system 20, and particularly within theventing chamber 24 to absorb any residue of the scent chemical. Theabsorptive liner 120 can be made of a chemically treated material thatis capable of absorbing at least some of the scent chemicals 58, 60. Asshown in FIG. 4, the absorptive liner 120 can be fitted with openingswhich correspond to the orifice 52, the bolus generator 30 and thecartridges 22. The absorptive liner 120 can be made of any scentabsorbing material, such as clay, a wood-clay combination, activatedcarbon, vermiculite, silica gel, zeolite, activated alumina, GrayMatter™, microsponge, or the like. Naturally, it will be appreciatedthat the absorptive liner 120 can cover the entire inner wall of theventing chamber or it can only cover a selected portion of the ventingchamber. For example, the absorptive liner can be composed of smallerpieces and placed in a variety of other strategic places, such as theconduits.

As an alternative to the absorptive liner, a power supply 122 (FIG. 1)can be used to apply a like electric charge to the inner walls of theventing chamber 24 and to the scented chemical 58, 60. The like chargecauses the scent chemicals 58, 60 to be repelled by the venting chamber24 and limits the adherence of the scent chemical 58, 60 to the innerwall. As shown in FIG. 5, power supply 122 is typically supplied to thescent delivery system 20 through a power cord 124 which attaches to apower outlet at the back of the housing. In addition to creating theelectric charge, the power supply 122 can also be used to power thepumps, microprocessor board, bolus generator, and the like (FIG. 1).

Referring again to FIGS. 10A and 10B, some embodiments of the scentgenerating device will have a directional cylinder 124 at the end of theventing chamber 24 that can be adjusted, either manually orautomatically to cause the bolus rings 32 to be aimed at the nose of theuser. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B the automatic aimingmechanism 127, is an electric potentiometer that moves the directionalcylinder 124 in response to a signal from a position or motion sensor126. It will be appreciated however, that the automatic aiming mechanism127 may move in response to a video imaging camera, an infrared imager acamera, or other means of determining the position of the user and theuser's nose.

In addition to using the position or motion sensor 126 to track aperson's movement, the motion sensor can be used to simply determinethat a person has entered the general vicinity. For example, if themotion sensor 126 senses a person walking near the device associatedwith the scent generating system, the motion sensor can send a signal tothe microprocessor board to deliver a scent to try to “entice” thepotential user to approach the video device.

This description of embodiments of the invention is presented for thepurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, andmany modifications and variations are possible in light of thedescription above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications. This description of embodiments will enable others skilledin the art to best utilize and practice the invention in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following claims.

1. A system for delivering a scent chemicals, the system comprising: aventing chamber comprising an orifice; a storage system which holds ascent chemical and is configured to release the scent chemical into theventing chamber; and a bolus generator assembly coupled to the ventingchamber, wherein the bolus generator assembly delivers a pulse of airwhich forces a ring bolus of the scent chemical out of the orifice. 2.The system of claim 1 wherein the scent chemical comprises a scentedoil.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the scent chemical comprises aplurality of different scent chemicals.
 4. The system of claim 1comprising a controller that controls a timing and frequency of thedelivery of the pulse of air.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein thecontroller is linked to programmable electronic activation means.
 6. Thesystem of claim 4 wherein the controller is coupled to a network througha network interface, wherein control signals are delivered to thecontroller through the network.
 7. The system of claim 4 wherein thecontroller controls the timing and frequency of the delivery of thepulses of air according to a sequence that is defined by a pre-recordedpresentation.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the bolus generatorassembly comprises an elastic diaphragm.
 9. The system of claim 1wherein the storage system is removably coupled to the venting chamber.10. The system of claim 1 wherein the chemical is in liquid form when inthe storage system and in vapor form when it is delivered to the ventingchamber.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the storage system comprisesone or more cartridges.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the storagesystem comprises a plurality of cartridges.
 13. The system of claim 1wherein the scent chemical is delivered from the storage system to theventing chamber through a delivery assembly.
 14. A system that generatesand delivers a cohesive unit of air and scent chemical, the systemcomprising: a venting chamber comprising an orifice; a storage systemcoupled to the venting chamber, wherein the storage system stores one ormore liquid scent chemicals; a delivery assembly coupled to the storagesystem that is configured to deliver the scent chemical to the ventingchamber; and a bolus generator positioned to deliver an air pulse intothe venting chamber, wherein the air pulse emits a cohesive unit of airand vapor scent chemical out of the orifice in the venting chamber. 15.The system of claim 14 wherein the cohesive unit of air and scentchemical is in the form of a ring.
 16. The system of claim 14 whereinthe delivery assembly is configured to vaporize the liquid scentchemical before it is delivered into the venting chamber.
 17. The systemof claim 14 comprising a controller coupled to the delivery assemblythat activates delivery of the scent chemical from the storage system tothe venting chamber.
 18. The system of claim 14 wherein the bolusgenerator is an elastic diaphragm.
 19. The system of claim 14 whereinthe storage system comprises one or more cartridges that are removablyattached to the venting chamber.
 20. The system of claim 14 wherein thestorage system comprises a plurality of cartridges that are removablyattached to the venting chamber.